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Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Day 86. The Flower That Remembers

Today we stop, we remember, and we wear a red poppy to honour the many men and women who sacrificed their lives for their country and for freedom.

Many of us will remember the moving poem In Flanders Fields. I first memorized it with my classmates when I was in Grade 5, and ever since its solemn message continues to move me.

The poem was written by a Canadian -- John
McCrae, a doctor and teacher, who served in both the South African War
and the First World War. It was first published in England's Punch magazine
in December, 1915. Within months, this poem came to symbolize the
sacrifices of all who were fighting in the First World War. Today, the
poem continues to be a part of Remembrance Day ceremonies in Canada and
other countries. Information from Veterans Affairs Canada
website

May God help us to remember and never forget the sacrifices made ... may they not be in vain.

Gratefully yours,

Brenda

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.

Yes I woke up this morning trying to remember just how that poem went and sure enough it was printed in the Journal. I actually cry when I read that poemalways did. Today T.V. has been full of old war movies. We watched two and part of another one and I thought I have got to talk to my grandchildren and make sure they know about those terrible wars and what caused them in hopes it will not be repeated. Of course we are engaged in war right now, seems it never ends. Oh what a beautiful world it would be if eveyone asked Jesus into their hearts and lived as God wanted us to, no more cruelty, now more wars, no pain, no mean vindictive peoplejust love love everywhere ummmmmwe can all practice this in our own little corners we live in and if eveyone did this the whole world would be at peace. wow what a dream peace joy and kindness eveywhere.

"Lord, give me an open heart to find You everywhere, to glimpse the heaven enfolded in a bud, and experience eternity in the smallest act of love." ~ Mother Teresa

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BRENDA C LEYLAND writes from Western Canada. She enjoys the amazing beauty that nature and people bring to our world. Has a special place in her heart for books, birds, gardens, kitty cats, and ... YOU!